The boys soccer team finished fourth in the Maui Interscholastic League this season. PHOTO BY GLEN PASCUAL.

LAHAINA – Displaying steady improvement over the course of the 2019-20 season, the Lahainaluna High School boys soccer team maintained their position in the middle of the Maui Interscholastic League standings for the current campaign.

Guided by veteran head coach Sam Aki and assistants Robyn Rodriguez, Francisco Rodriguez, Adolfo Cruz and Deidre Rockett, the Lunas played up and up with the top teams of the MIL to finish the season in fourth place.

“We had so many close calls, close games – it was frustrating at times -but with senior leadership, the team came together beautifully at times and brought a successful season,” said Robyn.

“There is a lot of talent here, and we all know what to focus on next year.”

The 2020 Lahainaluna boys were led by team captain and four-year player Brian Sandoval, senior three-year lettermen Jose Garcilazo, Ikaika Galarita and Johann Flores, and classmates David Sanchez, Kaihulali Casco, Nalu Ho, Isaiah Blas and Kai Bookland.

Juniors on the roster included Oliver Fabia, Jose Lara, Jimmy Machic, Kevin Martinez, Keanu Ornelas and Devon Sa Chisolm.

The sophomore class represented on this year’s Luna team included Anatello Flores, Alejandro Gonzalez, Mike Rodriguez, Brasil Ruiz-Rockett and Isidore Solano. Rounding out the roster was a talented freshmen representation of Luis Gonzalez, Manuel Orchoa and Jacob Ramos McAlinden.

“We are definitely underclassmen heavy, so we hope to have a bright future ahead of us with a lot of potential to do well,” said Coach Robyn prior to the team’s 1-0 victory over Seabury Hall in the 2020 season finale under the lights at Sue D. Cooley Stadium last week.

“It was interesting to watch the newer players gel with the upperclassmen and our goalkeepers fulfilling their potential. There were several crucial, tight situations in games that could have gone either way and would have definitely turned our season around.”

In conclusion, Rodriguez expressed the appreciation of the entire program to the Lahaina community for the support of the team throughout the years.

“Thank you especially to all of the parents, Judy Mae Aki, Ramona Aki, Old Lahaina Luau and the Lahainaluna athletic staff,” she said.